10 Ways to Bring JOY Back To Your Life

10 Ways to Bring JOY Back to Your Life

Ask for God's help

God wants to hear from you. He longs to be in communion with you. Talk to Him. Tell Him how you are feeling. Make known your disappointments and frustrations to Him and let Him guide you and direct your steps. Pray to Him, asking that He be the strength for your day. We can do nothing apart from Him, yet God tells us in His Word, “...with God all things are possible.” {Matt 19:26}

Get into Scripture

God's Word is FILLED with richness. The Bible is our road map for life. By reading His Word daily, even if it's a few passages, will help strengthen your relationship with God, thus filling you with joy. Keep a journal when you read so you can write down thoughts as you go. Start small. Don't attempt to complete large sections of scripture. Two to six verses per day should be doable. As you read, ask for God to guide your thoughts and to speak to you through His Word. “For the word of God is alive and powerful.” {Hebrews 4:12a}

Smile Often

It is amazing what a smile can do. It not only lifts your spirits, but it lifts the spirits of others. You never know when YOU could be the only Jesus someone sees in their day. Smile big and smile often. And don't get discouraged when you don't receive one in return. People are hurting, and we don't know what battles they are facing. Like my friend says, “If you see someone without a smile – give 'em yours!”

Be A Daily Encourager

Find ways daily to encourage other people. It get the focus off of us and our problems. Write a hand-written letter, send an encouraging text, share a scripture, give a compliment. Live your life as an encourager and watch how God will multiply your joy! “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” {Hebrews 10:25}

Keep a Gratitude Journal

Being thankful daily is the only way to a full life. 1 Thess 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances...” When we name the things we are thankful for daily... the gifts... they enlarge our lives. They allow us to focus on the beauty and not the ugly. And when you are listing the things you are thankful for, be as specific as possible. God is everywhere. Beauty is everywhere. Living the full life is living with eyes wide open to the gifts that are right in front of us!

Forgive Often...Let People Off the Hook for Not Being Perfect

People are going to mess up. People are going to hurt us and disappoint us but we have to choose to forgive them and lay our burden at the cross of Jesus Christ. Holding onto bitterness and anger robs us of the full life and the joy Christ died to give us. Because of the countless ways in which you have been radically, extravagantly shown mercy, let people off the hook for not being perfect. “When they came to a place called the Skull, there they crucified Him {Jesus}, along with the criminals – one on His right, the other on His left, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” {Luke 23:33-34}

Laugh Often

Did you know that Laughter relaxes the whole body? A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after. So it really does do the body good! Learn to laugh at life and yourself! We can get so caught up with the seriousness of life, and laughter offers us a good excuse to let go!

Don't Worry About What Others Think of You

The quickest way to forget what God says about you is to worry about what other people think of you. Galatians 1:10 say, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” God is crazy about us and as Christ followers, we have to focus only on what He says about us.

Listen To Encouraging Music

Listening to some good, upbeat, energetic music is a good way to give you a boost when life is stressful. Turn it up! Sing Along! Dance like nobody's watching! See how it reverses your mood and changes the course of your day! “All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.” {Psalm 66:4}

Ask for Forgiveness Whenever Possible

We all make mistakes. And it's true that we often hurt the ones we love the most. Admitting our mistakes and asking for forgiveness isn't a sign of weakness, it's quite the opposite. It is a sign of strength. It communicates value in our relationships and provides freedom from pain and regret. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” {1 John 1:9}

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,